This Blackberry Jalapeño Margarita is the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and spicy. Fresh blackberries and jalapeños are muddled with honey, then topped with silver tequila, lemonade, and lime juice. It’s bold, fruity, and dangerously easy to sip. Whether you’re hosting a summer cookout or just want a fun happy hour drink, this cocktail is sure to impress.
I enjoy a delicious cocktail, particularly a mix of sweetness and a hint of heat! While this blackberry jalapeño margarita is one of my favorites from the blog, I also enjoy my Skinny Spicy Margarita Recipe. The perfect drink for Taco Tuesday or National Margarita Day!
If you enjoy a Moscow Mule, then you will love my Mexican Mule Recipe and my Peach Moscow Mule. These drinks are perfect for summer gatherings and Cinco de Mayo!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Sweet & Spicy Combo – The fresh blackberries bring a rich, fruity sweetness while the jalapeño adds a kick of heat.
- No Fancy Equipment Needed – Just a glass, a muddler (or spoon), and a few fresh ingredients.
- Ready in Minutes – You can shake (or stir!) this cocktail together in about 5 minutes.
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Diced Jalapeño: Use fresh jalapeño for the best flavor. If you’re sensitive to heat, remove the seeds and membranes before dicing. For extra spice, leave them in or add more slices.
- Fresh Blackberries: Juicy, ripe blackberries add natural sweetness and vibrant color. If using frozen berries, thaw them first so they’re easier to muddle. I prefer fresh fruit for this recipe. You can also swap in raspberries or blueberries for a different fruity twist.
- Honey: Honey adds a smooth, floral sweetness that balances the heat and tartness. You can substitute with agave syrup, maple syrup, or simple syrup if needed. Adjust the sweetness to taste.
- Silver Tequila: Also known as blanco tequila, this clear spirit is unaged and has a crisp, clean flavor—perfect for fruity margaritas. You can swap in reposado tequila for a slightly richer flavor or use mezcal for a smoky variation.
- Lemonade: Lemonade brings a refreshing sweetness and tartness to the drink. Use store-bought or homemade. For a lower sugar option, try light lemonade or fresh lemon juice with a touch of sweetener.
- Fresh Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice is key for that bright, zesty flavor. Avoid bottled lime juice, which can taste bitter or flat. If you’re out of limes, lemon juice will work in a pinch, but the flavor will be slightly different.
Complete list of ingredients and amounts is located on the recipe card below.
How to Make Spicy Blackberry Jalapeño Margarita
Quick Overview
- Muddle.
- Add liquids.
- Serve.
Step by Step Instructions
Quick Tip From Bri
After muddling, let the mixture sit for a few minutes to naturally infuse the heat before adding the tequila and lemonade. Taste and adjust before serving!
- Muddle the Fruit & Jalapeño: Add the jalapeño, blackberries, and honey into a cocktail glass. Use a muddler or a spoon, muddle, until the blackberries fall apart.
- Add the Liquids & Serve: Pour the lime tequila, lemonade, and lime over the muddled berries. Stir and serve with ice.
Recipe Serving Suggestions
I love a filling appetizer when I’m enjoying this refreshing drink. Here are some of my personal favorites:
- Queso Fundido with Poblano & Corn: This recipe is a blend of Monterey jack and Oaxaca cheese tossed with corn and poblano peppers, baked until bubbling, and makes for the best appetizer.
- Hot Elote Dip: This dip is loaded with corn, cheese, spices, cilantro, and fresh lime.
- Jalapeño Popper Egg Rolls: These crispy jalapeño popper egg rolls are the perfect appetizer for gatherings since they’re easy to grab.
Expert Tips
- Use Ripe, Juicy Blackberries: The sweeter and juicier your berries, the better the flavor. If they’re a bit tart, you can always add a touch more honey to balance it out.
- Chill Your Glass: Pop your cocktail glass in the freezer for 10–15 minutes before making your margarita. This helps keep the drink cold without watering it down too quickly.
- Salted Rim: Rub the rim of your glass with lime and dip it in salt for a classic margarita touch. Don’t forget your lime wedge!
- Double Strain for A Smoother Sip: If you prefer a cleaner drink without fruit pulp or seeds, use a cocktail shaker and fine mesh strainer when pouring into your glass.
Most Common Mistakes
- Using Too Much Jalapeño: Jalapeños can vary in heat, and just a few slices can make your drink fiery. Start small—you can always add more spice, but you can’t take it out once it’s in.
- Using Bottled Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice makes a huge difference in flavor. Bottled juice often tastes flat or overly acidic. Always squeeze fresh for the brightest, most balanced margarita.
- Using Low-Quality Tequila: Since tequila is the star spirit here, using a cheap or overly harsh brand can ruin the flavor. Stick to a smooth silver/blanco tequila you’d actually enjoy sipping on its own.
Additions & Variations
- Make it Spicier: Muddle in a few jalapeño seeds or let the mixture sit for a few extra minutes before adding ice.
- Make it a Pitcher: Multiply the ingredients by 4 or more and muddle everything in a large pitcher for a party-friendly batch.
- Make it Frozen: Blend the ingredients with ice for a frozen margarita. Use about 1 cup of ice and a splash of extra lemonade to help it blend smoothly.
Spice Preference
Here’s a quick guide to help you adjust based on your spice preference:
🌶 Mild: 1–2 slices, seeds removed
🌶🌶 Medium: 2–3 slices, some seeds left in
🌶🌶🌶 Spicy: 4+ slices, seeds included
Always taste as you go—jalapeños can vary quite a bit in heat! Letting the mixture sit after muddling will also intensify the spice.
Recipe FAQs
Yes! Just thaw them first so they’re easier to muddle.
Silver (blanco) tequila is best for this recipe. It’s clean, smooth, and mixes beautifully with citrus and fruit.
You can muddle the fruit and jalapeño with honey ahead of time and store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, just add the liquids and ice.
More Drink & Cocktail Recipes
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Spicy Blackberry Jalapeño Margarita
Ingredients
- 2-3 thin slices diced jalapeño*
- 4-5 fresh blackberries
- 1 teaspoon honey*
- 2 ounces (1/4 cup) silver tequila
- 2 ounces (1/4 cup) lemonade*
- 1/2 lime, juiced*
Instructions
- Review all recipe notes and instructions before beginning.
- Muddle the Fruit & Jalapeño: Add the jalapeño, blackberries, and honey into a cocktail glass. Use a muddler or a spoon, muddle, until the blackberries fall apart.2-3 thin slices diced jalapeño*, 4-5 fresh blackberries, 1 teaspoon honey*
- Add the Liquids & Serve: Pour the lime tequila, lemonade, and lime over the muddled berries. Stir and serve with ice.2 ounces (1/4 cup) silver tequila, 2 ounces (1/4 cup) lemonade*, 1/2 lime, juiced*
Notes
- Diced Jalapeño: Use fresh jalapeño for the best flavor. If you’re sensitive to heat, remove the seeds and membranes before dicing. For extra spice, leave them in or add more slices.
- Honey: Honey adds a smooth, floral sweetness that balances the heat and tartness. You can substitute with agave syrup, maple syrup, or simple syrup if needed. Adjust the sweetness to taste.
- Lemonade: Lemonade brings a refreshing sweetness and tartness to the drink. Use store-bought or homemade. For a lower sugar option, try light lemonade or fresh lemon juice with a touch of sweetener.
- Chill Your Glass: Pop your cocktail glass in the freezer for 10–15 minutes before making your margarita. This helps keep the drink cold without watering it down too quickly.
- Salted Rim: Rub the rim of your glass with lime and dip it in salt for a classic margarita touch. Don’t forget your lime wedge!
- Make it a Pitcher: Multiply the ingredients by 4 or more and muddle everything in a large pitcher for a party-friendly batch.
- Make it Frozen: Blend the ingredients with ice for a frozen margarita. Use about 1 cup of ice and a splash of extra lemonade to help it blend smoothly.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Yum! This spicy Margarita was the hit with the girls! Thanks!
Blackberry Jalapeno Margarita is refreshing and delicious I enjoyed it.
My husband love’s jalapeño anything so these were a fun treat for him! He said it was the perfect balance to be refreshing and tasty!
This recipe for blackberry jalapeno margaritas really kicks up the flavor on a classic drink. We enjoy a margarita or two hanging out on the deck so this was a nice diversion from our usual. Will be making again next time we have our neighbors over!
BBQ party perfect. What a fun drink to serve to guests. I love the colour and presentation.